Berlin, Aprl 15, (dpa/GNA) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is flying to Paris this Friday, to take part in talks on a possible military mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following the end of the war in Iran.
The German leader’s in-person attendance at the conference, parts of which are planned to be held via video link, was confirmed to dpa by German government sources.
The conference was initiated by France and the UK. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also expected in the French capital. It is not yet clear who else will be attending.
The aim of the conference on Friday afternoon, is to advance work on a “coordinated, independent and multinational plan” to secure international shipping, following the war with Iran, as a spokesperson for Starmer said. The warring nations – the US, Israel and Iran – have not been invited.
French President Emmanuel Macron had announced the conference on Monday. He described the operation as a “strictly defensive mission” set to begin “as soon as the situation allows.”
Macron had recently spoken of a dozen countries, wishing to participate in such an initiative.
GNA